My PM went to Copenhagen and all I got were these lousy photos

Harper's Big Trip to Copenhagen, as reported to us from the PMO site  (you know, what Soudas tells us is how the government keeps us informed since the press is such a dismal failure?)
     

photos


Good job he managed to snag Obama for that quickie.  Sure spent our money well over there.

In fairness, Harper did provide us with this detailed account of the summit (PMO statement, if full):

“This agreement is the result of two weeks of negotiations in which Canada and Environment Minister Prentice, our chief negotiator, played a key part.  And over the past 24 hours, I have met with numerous leaders to reaffirm that Canada remains committed to a comprehensive, post-2012 agreement that is fair and effective.

“All countries must commit to taking concrete action to address climate change as part of a new treaty – actions which are measurable, verifiable and reportable. Canada is working to align our clean energy and climate change policies with those of the Obama Administration.  This approach recognizes the high degree of integration of our two economies.  Canada is prepared to contribute our fair share of financial support, particularly to the poorest and most vulnerable nations.”      (PMO statement released but not yet posted to pmo site)

Yes, yes.  He did bring back several awards: three Fossil of the Day awards, and the prestigious Fossil of the Year award.   but since I didn`t vote for him, don`t support him, and don`t share his war on doing anything to fight or cope with climate change, I gladly hand over any claim I might have to those who do.  Way to go, guys!  Third time in a row!  Earned the name Colossal Fossil for Harper`s government`s ``strategy to sabotage efforts to tackle climate change.``

There was a greater sense of urgency at this summit than at previous ones.  With many people already suffering directly from the impact of climate change, and with leaders less able to hide the inevitable consequences from those they govern, there was the overall sense of trying to co-ordinate people greatly at odds in order to put out a blaze well out of control.  No plan, and those involved fighting over who does the work, and who pays for the tools.  Meanwhile, the flames grow.

The final day showed this sense of anxiety as leaders, recognizing that little headway would be made because they simply weren`t prepared for the vast divergence in interests, knew they couldn`t go home empty handed without risking the displeasure and increase in very real fear from those they are accountable to.  So they come up with mixed messages, empty statements, and ``toothless`` deal that is non-binding. 

But it has no long-term global targets for emissions cuts or a timetable to turn the agreement into a legally-binding treaty.

Another monumental expense for all involved to come up once more with we have to come up with something or we are screwed.

The only way we will ever get any kind of grip on managing the devastations of climate change is for everyone - leaders and every person on the planet who can put pressure on them - to accept the reality that this is a growing global problem which does not wait for politics or protectionism.

We go to sleep wrapping ourselves in the comfort of our flag, secure in the knowledge that our borders are inviolate only to wake up and see that the way we live has destroyed that comfortable dream.  We love fictitious movies where the world pulls together to fight a common enemy like an alien invasion, but when we face the reality of a common threat, we scream and balk at co-operating.